Until 2010, I never regarded myself as a portrait painter and had absolutely no desire to be one’ Colin Davidson tells Brian McAvera…
BMcA: What is your view of current art in Ireland, North and South?
Colin Davidson: Do you have a few weeks?! My view is that practice on the island is not only reflecting the current themes and issues in the art world as a whole, but is also starting to speak with a voice all of its own. There’s a certain confidence creeping in, which I’m sure is the result of teaching methods in colleges and universities. Artists are presenting and exploring a more gritty and honest lrishness. And this has real relevance in the world. In selecting for the RUA Annual Exhibitions, the most exciting, rewarding and inspiring part of the process was assessing the open submissions.
There is so much exciting new work being made. We should be positive about this. I don’t take heed of a border in Irish art, so don’t see it in terms of North and South. I was born an Ulster Protestant, but I am, way above that, an Irish painter. That is my identity.
Peter Murray recalls the independent spirit Edith Blake, diarist and artist and one-time occupant of Myrtle Grove, Youghal, County Cork
While working as an intern at the NPA Mike Bors gained access to a remarkable collection created by talented amatuer, Sir Robert Ball, astromoner and scientific adviser to the Commissioners of Irish Lights
Peter Pearson welcomes a new chapter in the management of Johnstown Castle, County Wexford